On October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections were held in Georgia, and the ruling Georgian Dream Party declared victory. However, the results were quickly questioned due to discrepancies with exit polls, raising suspicions of election manipulation. Between Georgian Dream’s new presidential candidate on one side, and calls for new elections on the other, this blog examines what is at stake for Georgia.
Election Turmoil
After the recent elections, observers reported systematic election fraud. A major issue was the violation of voter secrecy, with poor-quality paper revealing voters’ choices. This breach was confirmed by Judge Vladimer Khuchua, who annulled results from 30 polling stations. However, the upper chamber of the court overturned this decision, which many saw as predictable due to Georgian Dream’s influence over the judiciary.
Before the official results were announced, opposition parties were optimistic, believing they had won based on exit polls. When the official results showed the ruling party with even stronger support than in previous elections, it triggered a political crisis.
Initially small, protests grew rapidly. Public anger was heightened by the announcement of Mikheil Kavelashvili as the Georgian Dream’s presidential candidate. Kavelashvili, a former footballer with little political experience, became controversial due to his pro-Russian views and radical statements. His candidacy was met with disdain, largely due to his lack of formal education, symbolizing the disconnect between the ruling elite and the public.
The public’s frustration was not just about Kavelashvili’s background but also about broader disillusionment with the political class. His appointment embodied the growing dissatisfaction with the elite’s disregard for the people’s concerns.
In response to the crisis, President Zourabichvili in a historic move declared the elections rigged, stating she would not vacate the presidential palace and, claiming legitimacy as the only representative of the people. In calling for a boycott of the new parliament, she called for Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s resignation, demanding new elections within two weeks.
Georgia’s European Perspective
On November 28, the European Parliament passed a resolution declaring the elections fraudulent, calling for sanctions against Georgian Dream’s leaders, and demanding new elections under an impartial electoral administration. The resolution was supported by 444 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with 72 voting against it.
This resolution, though non-binding, could significantly alter Georgia’s political landscape. The call for new elections under reformed conditions could lead to much-needed changes. However, the Georgian Dream Party responded defiantly, announcing the suspension of EU membership negotiations until 2028, despite overwhelming public support for EU integration. Prime Minister Kobakhidze accused the European Parliament of “blackmail,” further escalating tensions.
Civilian Backlash
This confrontation sparked further protests across Georgia, highlighting the government’s willingness to defy both the constitution and public opinion. In 2018, Georgia amended its Constitution to include provisions for Euro-Atlantic integration, ensuring the country’s goal of joining the EU and NATO. The government’s actions, particularly its response to the European Parliament’s resolution, raised questions about its commitment to these constitutional goals.
The protests grew more intense as police used water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray against largely peaceful demonstrators. While most protests were non-violent, small groups engaged in confrontational actions, leading to clashes with police. The government’s response escalated the violence, injuring both protesters and journalists. A video showing police officers kicking a young protester while he was on the ground sparked outrage. Additionally, a 22-year-old protester fell into a coma after sustaining injuries, and several journalists covering the unrest were injured.
In response to the violence, mothers across the country held demonstrations outside police stations, demanding that officers uphold their oath to protect citizens. This call for accountability gained momentum, with widespread domestic and international condemnation of the government’s tactics.
Georgia at a Crossroads
Georgia now faces a critical decision. The ongoing crisis has polarized the country, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic principles, from election manipulation to the suppression of protests. Georgia must decide whether to embrace reforms, restore trust in democratic institutions, and address public demands, or continue down a path of defiance, risking further instability and alienation.
The coming months will be crucial in determining the country’s political future. The growing protests and the EU’s stance on election fraud could be catalysts for political and electoral reforms. However, continued government resistance could prolong the crisis and undermine Georgia’s aspirations for European integration.
In conclusion, Georgia stands at a crossroads. The erosion of democratic principles, the crackdown on dissents, and the government’s defiance in the face of international pressure have placed the country’s future in jeopardy. Whether Georgia can navigate this crisis and emerge with a more democratic and inclusive political system remains to be seen.
